Unsafe driving behaviours in northwest Iran: A cross-sectional study using observational methods

This cross-sectional study using observational methods study was conducted in 2022 to investigate risky driving behaviors among 3005 drivers in various areas of Tabriz, the largest city in northwest Iran. Observations were made when drivers stopped at intersections or before entering their government workplace.

Observational sites represented low, middle, and high income areas, and locations serving local areas, commuting areas, and workplaces. Observations occurred at various times of day and were conducted by recording drivers' behavior using a checklist based on the Martinez-Sanchez method. Chi-square and binary logistic regression analyses examined relations between demographic variables and drivers' behavior.

Among the observed drivers, 67.39% failed to use seat belts, 29.72% used mobile phones while driving, and 74.24% stopped beyond the stop line. Women used seat belts 1.64 times more often than men [OR = 1.64; 95% CI: 1.36-1.97]. Drivers estimated to be under 25 years and aged 25-40 years used mobile phones significantly more often than drivers estimated to be over age 50 [OR = 2.65; 95% CI: 1.96-3.60], [OR = 1.75; 95% CI: 1.34-2.30]. Drivers were significantly more likely to use mobile phones on weekends than during the week [OR =1.49; 95% CI: 1.15-1.93] and at noon compared to the morning [OR = 1.25; 95% CI: 1.03-1.53]. Drivers observed in middle socioeconomic status (SES) locations failed to fasten seat belts 1.23 times more frequently than drivers in high SES areas [OR = 1.23; 95% CI: 1.01-1.51]. Drivers at workplaces and in local areas failed to fasten their seat belts 2.07 and 1.78 times more than drivers in commuting areas, respectively [OR = 2.07; 95% CI: 1.71-2.49; OR = 1.78; 95% CI: 1.45-2.17].

In summary, we observed considerable risk-taking behavior among drivers in Tabriz, Iran, with the highest risk occurring among male and younger drivers. Multifaceted intervention programs and policymaking, building off successful programs in other countries, should be implemented to increase safe driving behaviors.